MARGAO, OCT 21: Odisha faltered in the final of the Junior National Football Championship for U-18 Girls and lost to Manipur to remain satisfied with the runners-up trophy.
A formidable Manipur side routed Odisha 5-0 as they lifted the championship trophy.
Manipur controlled the entire match from the first minute at the Rosay Complex ground, Navelim.
They scored the first goal in the sixth minute with Premi Chiru finding the back of the net. In the 12th minute, Manipur’s Ratanbala Devi scored as they took 2-0 lead.
Manipur extended lead to 3-0 as S Ranjana Chanu scored the third goal for her team nine minutes later.
Odisha mid-fielders and defenders had a tough time against Manipur as they struggled to get control over the ball.
Manipur girls kept building pressure on Odisha’s defence as players moved the ball around on both sides. Premi Chiru hit her second goal as Manipur now led by 4-0 before going to the half-time.
In the second half, Odisha made good attempts to strike but were unable to score.
Manipur extended their lead to 5-0, as Kashmina, who was the highest goal scorer with 22 goals in the tournament, scored in the 47th minute.
Goa Minister for Fisheries Avertano Furtado presented the trophy to the winning side. Goa MLA Benjamin Silva handed over the trophy and medal to the runners-up.
